US President Donald Trump on Thursday confirmed that one of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot in what authorities described as an ambush-style shooting in Washington D.C. had died, while the other was fighting for his life.
President Trump announced during a press conference that 20-year-old Army Spc Sarah Beckstrom had passed away after being injured during the shooting on Wednesday. He described her as "highly respected" and a "magnificent person". The West Virginia National Guard confirmed that Beckstrom died at MedStar Washington Hospital due to injuries sustained during the attack.
In contrast, 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe was reported to be in critical condition after undergoing surgery and was fighting for his life, according to Trump. The President also stated that the suspect involved in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is currently in serious condition.
The two National Guard members were serving with a joint task force for Washington D.C when they were attacked on Wednesday. Although they had been sworn into duty less than 24 hours before the attack, they had previously served in the district since August. The two soldiers did not have arrest powers and were operating without law enforcement status during the incident.
Beckstrom was hailed as a hero who volunteered to serve in the Trump administration's D.C National Guard deployment. She graduated from Webster County High School in 2023 and was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade at the time of the shooting.
Wolfe has served with the West Virginia National Guard since February 2019. He graduated from Musselman High School in 2019 and was described as an "active, engaged, and high-achieving student" by his principal.
President Trump announced during a press conference that 20-year-old Army Spc Sarah Beckstrom had passed away after being injured during the shooting on Wednesday. He described her as "highly respected" and a "magnificent person". The West Virginia National Guard confirmed that Beckstrom died at MedStar Washington Hospital due to injuries sustained during the attack.
In contrast, 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe was reported to be in critical condition after undergoing surgery and was fighting for his life, according to Trump. The President also stated that the suspect involved in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is currently in serious condition.
The two National Guard members were serving with a joint task force for Washington D.C when they were attacked on Wednesday. Although they had been sworn into duty less than 24 hours before the attack, they had previously served in the district since August. The two soldiers did not have arrest powers and were operating without law enforcement status during the incident.
Beckstrom was hailed as a hero who volunteered to serve in the Trump administration's D.C National Guard deployment. She graduated from Webster County High School in 2023 and was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade at the time of the shooting.
Wolfe has served with the West Virginia National Guard since February 2019. He graduated from Musselman High School in 2019 and was described as an "active, engaged, and high-achieving student" by his principal.
... like he's trying to sugarcoat the whole thing? but at the same time, shouldn't he be giving more details since they were in the line of duty? 
i mean, becks' family deserves some answers, you feel? 
and seriously, wolvie's condition is super sketchy - if he's still fighting for his life after surgery, that's already a huge red flag 
. Rahmanullah Lakanwal being in serious condition is just another thing to consider... maybe we should get the full story out there instead of piecing it together like a puzzle? 
... I mean, two soldiers just doing their job and getting ambushed like that? It's just not right 
. I feel so bad for Sarah Beckstrom's family and friends, she was such a hero and had her whole life ahead of her 
. And poor Andrew Wolfe, he's still fighting for his life... my heart goes out to him and his loved ones too 
.
. I hope Rahmanullah Lakanwal gets the help he needs and that justice is served 
. It's times like these that remind us of the sacrifices our soldiers make for us every day, so let's all take a moment to remember and honor them 
.
her life cut short in such a senseless violent act it's just not fair 
how many more people have to die before we can stop this senseless gun violence in america?!?! 
, this is so sad 
. The President's words about Sarah being a "magnificent person" and a hero really made me feel bad for her family 
that's so scary!
... hoping he pulls through soon.
... I just hope this situation gets resolved soon and justice is served. Sending all my thoughts to Sarah Beckstrom's family and friends right now 
. Can we even start to process what happened here?
. I mean 20 yrs old and already makin sacrifices for our country 
. Praying for both of them to get thru this! Sending lotsa love & positive vibes their way 
oh man, this is so sad 
, but I guess you do what you gotta do when you feel called to serve 
... anyway, my heart goes out to her loved ones 
.
. And the other one is fighting for his life? Pray for him ASAP